There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Every week or so I’ll feature one that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five.

Today…Rope It. This training aid is a practical way for golfers of all skill levels to improve their game. The device allows you to hit full swing shots with a real ball in your backyard. Other neat features:

• The ball flies 20 yards, so you can visualize shot direction.
• Setup is convenient, takes only a few minutes and is easily transportable.
• Quick and easy so golfers can practice according to their schedule when it is convenient for them.
• Turn your backyard into your very own personal driving range.

I reckon if you have some sort of open space (large parking lot) at your office, you could get a brisk practice sesh in during lunch or a “coffee break.” Now I don’t have a backyard in NYC and my apartment is probably smaller than your living room. BUT I bet I could swing it on my roof (putting myself at risk of eviction).

My only real concern is the hazardous possibility of the rope kicking back with the ball and getting smacked in the face, head or other sensitive areas (particularly for the XY sex). Perhaps that’s why the website’s instructions include the disclaimer in bolded large text: “WARNING. Read Instructions before use. Failure to follow may result in serious injury. Use at your own risk.” It’s also advised to keep it away from small children. Comforting.

But hey, working on your golf game involves severe sacrifices.

/filling out online order form.

Take a gander at the demo video:

There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Each week I’ll feature one that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five.

Today…the Big Daddy Driver. This novelty golf club morphs into a battery-powered weed whacker, created for laughs during a frustrating round on the course. Turns out it’s also a good gift:

What do you get the golfer who has everything? Golf balls or a new glove - Boring!

With the Big Daddy Driver, he’ll totally crack up laughing when he figures out it’s actually a Weed Whacker and then when he takes it out on the golf course he’ll have all his buddies rolling around laughing hysterically.

So, you know, when you’re stuck in the rough, just break out the Big Daddy Driver and cut down the tall grass to make a preferred lie. Instant hilarity!

See how it works:

If only it were permitted during tournaments…but a great gimmick, no less.

If you’re a last minute shopper, you might still be looking for absurd, pointless, yet somewhat useful golf-related gadgets to give that golf geek in your life. Here are some to consider…

Golf Bag Drink Dispenser

Artfully disguised as a golf club, this drink dispenser fits in your golf bag to “keep you cool on hot summer days” — or warm if you’re brave enough to bear the cold. The insulated 48oz reservoir stores warm and cold drinks, so you can easily bring your beer or spiked coffee along instead of paying for the overpriced booze from the cart girl. It has a “wide mouth” for ice cubes and easy cleaning.

Manty’s Golf Caddy

The clever innovators at Manty’s have designed a “brand new type of electric powered vehicle, delivering a fun and dynamic, yet comfortable ride!” Basically, it’s a Segway that holds a golf bag. The machine is controlled by “shifting your weight with carve skiing-like movements.” No steering wheel or handlebars! So, it’s perfect for those who just can’t bother to walk and don’t want to rent a golf cart, but want to feel like they’re getting some type of aerobic activity. Also, Manty’s has the power to last 36 holes and easily scale 20% climbs with turf-saving tires. What’s more — the wonderfully tacky promotional video makes it all the more appealing.

George Lucas Yardage Books

These ORANGE yardage books are replicas of the ones used on the PGA Tour, which allow fans to be an “armchair caddy and watch golf tournaments with the same vital information the players and caddies have!” George Lucas, a former Arnold Palmer caddie, has prepared these books for 27 Tour stops — “each hole is drawn with accurate distances and notes all vital information.” As you watch on TV, you can read the putts, visualize the shots and know the yardages. So, you know, you can watch along and (attempt to) analyze the pros’ and caddies’ decision making, and impress your friends at a party when you bring it along and call the right shot.

Eball Inflatable Golf Simulator

This simulator provides “the most realistic golf experience on the market today” and lets “players satisfy their golfing dreams.” It’s perfect for temporary use, sets up quickly and is weatherproof and supposedly easily transportable. The ball sensor technology makes it very realistic, along with the big screen that projects images of various golf courses. So, if you have a big enough backyard (or loft) and you’re too lazy to drag yourself to the course, then you can comfortably tee it up at home. There’s no price tag, but it can’t be cheap.

Boxgroove.com

While this isn’t a “gadget,” a membership at the Boxgroove network would make a great gift. The service allows golfers to play at private golf clubs whether you belong to one or not. You can schedule tee times at numerous traditionally members-only courses while you’re at home or on vacation. Their goal: “To connect serious golfers seeking diverse golf experiences with private courses using an inventive, reliable, online network.”

There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Each week I’ll feature one that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five.

Today…Nice Cup in Bra. This novelty bra, designed by Japanese lingerie company Triumph to cash in on the growing “links-crazed” population, is made for working golfing ladies. It provides busty support and a short skirt, and women can conveniently undress to practice their putting wherever they feel fit:

The green corset-style garment can be removed and unrolled to create a 1.5m-long putting mat. When the user sinks a putt into one of the cups, a built-in speaker pumps out a congratulatory “Nice shot!.” The bra also features pockets for extra golf balls and tees, and a detachable flag pin that serves as a score pencil. The bra set comes with a skirt with the words “Be Quiet” printed on the rear, which doubles up as a flag for use on the course.

Oh, yes — innovation and practicality at its best. Now does that outfit qualify as proper golf course attire?

/Adding to Christmas wish list.

For a full demonstration, take a peek at the video with the lovely Reiko Aoyama, Triumph’s image girl.

There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Each week, I’ll feature one that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five.

Today…the UroClub. Forget Flomax. This portable urinal is disguised as a golf club, allowing you to take a whiz in the middle of the golf course:

The UroClub™ is the discrete, sanitary way for your urgent relief. Created by a Board Certified Urologist, it looks like an ordinary golf club, but contains a reservoir built into the grip to relieve yourself. The UroClub™ is leak proof, easy to clean and no more embarrassing moments.

No more humiliating trips to the woods or pee-pee dancing on the putting green! It’s way less awkward to stand in the middle of the fairway holding an “ordinary golf club” with your hands in your pants shielded by a towel. (Too many jokes.)

Here’s the amazing commercial for a better visual:

I hope the female version is in the works.

[h/t Reader John]

There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Each week, I’ll feature one that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five.

Today…The RELOADER. This “amazing new golf necessity” allows you to “reload your game,” so you can easily access a fresh golf ball after hitting an errant shot into the parking lot, water hazard, road, etc. It promises to “save” you time in the fairway:

The RELOADER holds two sleeves, that’s six balls. The balls are loaded at the top and conveniently Dispensed from the bottom. Simply clip the RELOADER onto your golf bag, fill with Six of your favorite balls and your ready to go.

Don’t let the “heat of the moment” get any worse by having to dig for a new golf ball. Don’t let the pressure of the moment build by having your playing partners wait around while you get yourself together.

That’s not all (!) — there’s even a handy velcro strap to attach your glove, so you always know where it is…and you don’t have to reach around to your back pocket.

Basically, this gadget is for golfers that find it too back-breaking to bend over and reach all the way down to the ball pocket of their bags. Ah, laziness at it’s very best.

[h/t Reader Court]

There are a lot of useless golf-related inventions geared to attract golf geeks. Each week, I’ll feature one of them that seems ridiculously pointless and absurd. 

Today…Potty Putter. “The Ultimate Toilet Putting Surface” promises to improve your putting and provide much-needed entertainment and relaxation while you crap:

You get home from a long day at work.  The kids are bothering you.  The wife is being her lovely self.  All you want to do is practice your putt but you don’t have the time to hit the course for a few weeks.  Well why not work out the kinks in your putting game with our new Potty Putter? 

It’s a true innovation in getting the most out of each trip to the restroom.  Get one for the office and one for home.  Finally, you can play some golf without all those bothersome people.  The Bathroom is perhaps your last bastion of freedom so don’t let anyone invade it. 

If you come across one, please e-mail (steph.wei@gmail.com) it to me. You know you’ve seen them. Perhaps you even own one. Or two. Or five. 

[h/t and photo via New York Daily News]